South Dakota

Hi everyone! Happy New Year! Yes, it's been a long time, but I'm back. Yayyyy! I hope you all are ready for more Holly and Dean. This chapter ended up being just a bit too long so I broke it up into two parts. I appreciate you all being patient with me. It takes a while for me to write and although I wish I had the time, I just don't. I'm really grateful that so many of you are still interested after all this time.

Thank you for all the suggestions, comments, reviews and encouragement! Welcome New Readers!

WARNING: There is talk of SPANKING (Domestic Discipline/Corporal Punishment) of an adult female by an adult male. If this is offensive to you, then please do not read.

After their last Hunt Sam, Dean and Holly were finding themselves both mentally and physically exhausted. They seemed to be going nonstop for the past month and just needed a break. So, when they left Iowa and entered into South Dakota Sam and Dean suggested visiting an old friend of theirs.

Sam and Dean had talked about Bobby many times and when they needed help with research or didn't know where to turn, Bobby was the first man they would call for advice and more times than not he seemed to have the answers they were looking for. He pulled them out of the fire several times and Holly hadn't even met the man yet.

They were driving through a few winding back roads where the mature trees were practically leaning over the road making a natural tunnel effect of beautiful colored leaves of burnt orange, yellow and red. Holly was staring out the back window of the impala in awe as leaves fell onto the car. Fall certainly has arrived and she was overjoyed at the beauty it brought. It was the small things that made Holly happy and she relished in the simple joys. It was a blessing and often needed after seeing the things she had seen.

The Impala pulled up onto a dirt driveway and passed under a large entrance gate. Just above was a sign that read "Singer Auto Salvage" bent into rustic lettering created by all sorts of different metals and car parts. As they pulled onto the property Holly observed that there were serval acres that were flooded with stacked cars and other auto parts. There was a tall chain linked fence attached to a wooden fence that finished enclosing the large property.

Dean parked the impala in front of the house just a few feet away from the porch. As Holly got out of the car she took in the sight of the old house. There were hub caps that were nailed to the side of the house and dark blue paint was chipping off the weather-beaten siding. The gutters were a little bent in places and debris from the large oak trees were scattered all over the roof. Despite the house being worn and surrounded by car parts Holly found it charming. It was unique and old and gave Holly a glimpse of Bobby's personality before she even met him. Holly smiled as it reminded her of her uncle who she had fond memories of visiting his old house. Parked off to the side of the porch was an old Dodge pickup truck that Holly assumed Bobby used for towing and on top of the hood lay a muscular Rottweiler that was enjoying the shade of an old oak tree above.

As they headed towards the house the Rottweiler stood up on the hood alert. Holly, being a dog person and over all animal lover her whole life, walked over to the dog slowly stopping a few feet away from the truck and squatted down calling to the dog in a sweet high voice hoping the dog would come over and greet her.

"Hi sweetheart. You friendly? You wanna come say hi?" Holly encouraged hoping to make a friend.

Holly hadn't pet a dog in over a year and she couldn't let this opportunity slip by when one was so near. The dog jumped off the hood and walked over to her wagging his tail. Holly smiled as she rubbed under his necked so happy to be able to touch a dog again and a rush of contentment warmed her heart.

"Aw that's a good boy." Holly cooed sweetly as she continued to pet the dog's short coat. "You are friendly, aren't you?" The dog leaned in and panted as Holly scratched behind his ear.

Sam and Dean stared down at Holly in astonishment as she pet Bobby's feared watch dog who wasn't known for being friendly with strangers.

"Took that dog like three years not growl at me when I walked by." Dean commented somewhat insulted and a bit astonished at the dog's friendliness toward Holly.

Sam let out a snort of amusement. "Better tell Bobby, Rumsfeld is getting soft in his old age." Sam said shaking his head in disbelief.

"Yeah, no kidding." Dean said with a bit of amusement in his tone. Holly never ceased to surprise Dean. Over the past year, he was learning little things about the woman that not only intrigued him, but captivated him and little did he know, it just made him fall more in love with her.

Holly looked up at Sam and Dean who seemed to have shocked, almost suspicious looks on their faces. Holly stood up somewhat confused by their expressions.

"What's the matter?" Holly asked innocently blinking her big brown eyes at them. "He's friendly."

Dean snorted in disbelief and started towards the front door. Sam chuckled slightly not saying anything as he shook his head before following Dean. Holly scrunched her eyebrows together in confusion as she watched them walk away, but soon just shrugged and gave the dog one more pet before following both of them to the door.

0000

If Holly was being honest with herself, she was a bit nervous to meet Bobby just for the simple fact that Sam and Dean spoke so highly of him and Holly knew that he was an important man in their lives. She hoped she would make a good impression on him and that he would accept her.

From only being in the house for a few minutes Holly gathered that Bobby was a kind man that seemed exceedingly happy to see Sam and Dean. It wasn't hard to see that Bobby cared for Sam and Dean very much and it was clear he was a man which Sam and Dean respected and relied on greatly.

"Heard Rumsfeld took a liking to you." Bobby commented with a smile shaking Holly's hand.

Holly shook his hand firmly and looked up at him with a sweet smile. "Well, I like dogs."

"Yeah, well he's normally a grumpy old cuss. Feel honored, he's rarely friendly with strangers." If Holly was being honest, she did feel honored, it was nice getting some love from a dog, but it was even nicer to get love from a dog who was particular on who he trusted. It made Holly feel good and it sparked a bit more confidence in her that was missing.

The inside of Bobby's house was beautiful. The old wood work was stunning along with the wall paper and fireplace within the home which many people would have probably overlooked if they entered the home due to all the clutter. Yet, it did not escape Holly's attention. She had an eye for finding the hidden beauty in things. It was an unknown talent she possessed, but it gave her joy. There were books upon books in almost every room that were stacked in high piles that passed Holly's waist, there were curious trinkets and nick knacks and papers taped and pined to the walls almost everywhere Holly looked. It peeked Holly's curiosity and she had an urge to asked about many of the things she saw but politely held back and quietly observed for the time being.

"So how long you boys staying?" Bobby asked walking in with four beers in his hands. It was obvious to Holly Bobby wanted them to stay for a while.

"If it's okay with you, we we're thinking about hanging around until we find a new case." Sam said taking a beer from Bobby.

Holly hoped they'd stay for at least a week. There were several books she saw that she had a great desire to read, not to mention getting to know Bobby a little better.

0000

That night they ordered pizza and settled in the living room having a couple of beers. Holly took a great liking to the man more than she anticipated. There was something about him that she found was good and understood why Sam and Dean spoke so highly of him. It was clear they saw him as a father figure in their lives and respected him greatly and Holly was honored to meet him.

The conversations were light hearted and it wasn't long before everyone was laughing and forgetting for a moment that they were in the Hunting business.

"So how long have you known Sam and Dean?" Holly asked genuinely curious as she was becoming more comfortable.

"Oh, I've known these boys since they were kids. When John first started Hunting." Bobby said nodding to Sam and Dean on the couch.

"We stayed here a lot. A lot of memories here." Dean said taking a swing of his beer a hint of a smile appearing on his lips.

"Yeah, always thought this was our home for the longest time." Sam added looking fondly around at the old house.

"Your house is beautiful." Holly complimented as her eyes passed over the beautiful wood work once again.

"It's old. Been in the family for generations." Bobby said not thinking much about the beauty of it.

"Yeah, I remember us helping you patch up this old house all time." Dean declared proudly remembering all the long weekend spent fixing things around the house. For all the things Bobby had done for them John insisted on helping out and to be honest Dean did not mind the work although back then he was more interested in weapons training.

"And tearing it apart, as I recall there were a few times you boys did more damage than fixing." Bobby declared eyeing both Sam and Dean accusingly.

"Come on we weren't that bad." Dean said thinking Bobby was exaggerating a bit.

"Oh yeah? What about the time you threw a hub cap throw the window? Burnt a hole in the bedroom rug? Broke the kitchen sink, the back door and the bathroom light? Not to mention the rat incident." Bobby declared quickly seeming to recall a lot more than Sam and Dean wanted.

"Oh, you really remember all that huh?" Dean said with a bit of guilt creeping in his voice.

"Hey the rat incident was all Dean." Sam said putting his hands up proclaiming his innocence in that crime.

Holly sat up a little straighter in her chair. This peeked her curiosity. "The rat incident?" Holly repeated looking at Bobby for answers almost too eager to hear a story about Dean's past.

"See that hole right there in the wall where I patched it up." Bobby said pointing over to the wall next to his desk. "You wanna know how it got there? This idjit saw a rat, but instead of getting rat traps like a sane person. He decides to shoot it instead. With my 12 gage two feet from where I was standing, nearly blew me to kingdom come." Bobby explained apparently remembering the incident vividly.

Holly's mouth opened wide in humor and shock which soon morphed into a smile in Dean's direction. Her eyes twinkling at him in amusement enjoying the slight blush that appear over his face.

"Come on I was like ten years old." Dean declared in his defense dismissing the incident as old news, but there was a hint of embarrassment in his voice that Holly noticed.

"I know. I was there when your daddy whaled the tar out of you for it." Bobby said giving Dean a stern look that all but said he deserved it.

"Yeah, I wasn't thinking when I did it." Dean said quickly admitting his guilt hoping that would close subject. He didn't really like the idea of going back to a memory where he screwed up especially when Holly was listening. Even though he was only ten at the time, he held himself to a very high, almost impossible, standard and did not want Holly, the woman he has sworn to protect, concentrate on his mistakes. Especially, about gun safety something he had punished her for in the past. He wanted her to feel safe with him. Not to mention, getting his ass beat was not something he desired to revisit in front of everyone.

"Clearly, if your daddy didn't step in, I would have. You nearly blew my foot off and destroyed two of my Japanese lore books." Bobby was clearly still upset about everything. Although there was a hint of affection if not a little humor in his voice almost as a father would be with his son.

Sam started to laugh enjoying reminiscing about the past especially when it involved embarrassing Dean. "Dude, I still remember your scream after seeing that rat. The look on your face was priceless."

"Yeah, well the only thanks I got for killing the damn thing was an ass beating and a twenty-minute lecture on gun safety." Dean grumbled at the memory still remembering the sting of his father's belt.

Gun safety. Well, that's an interesting story. Holly couldn't help but see the similarities between what Dean did and what she did months ago with the damn spider. Although her mistake was an accident while his was obviously intentional. It was clear both of them were not thinking about gun safety at the time. Yet, Holly was an adult and Dean was only ten at the time. Although, her experience with firearms was probably the same or less as ten-year-old Dean. Holly shook her head absorbed by the story's similarities, but also annoyed for the simple fact that Dean punished her like his dad punished him. Like father, like son, I guess.

After a while, Holly was noticing she was yawning far too often. It was getting late and Holly decided it was time for her to get some sleep. Something she was lacking for the past couple days and with a few beers in her she was struggling to keep her eyes open.

"I'm going to turn in." Holly said getting off the couch her flushed face shinning in the dim light.

"Guest Bedroom's up the stairs to your right. Bathroom is across the hall. Mi casa es su casa. Just don't touch the décor, assume it's loaded." Bobby said rising his eyebrows at her knowing she was eyeing many of the things he had around the house earlier. He smiled, but she knew he was serious.

"Got it." Holly said with a nervous smile a little embarrassed about being told not to touch anything feeling like she was a kid who was too curious for her own good. "Good night, everyone."

Once Holly was upstairs Bobby turned to look at Sam and Dean.

"Nice girl. It's a shame she got mixed up in all of this." Bobby said with a sigh. To him she seemed too sweet and innocent to be in the business. Most women Hunters he came across did not have her sweet disposition. Even though he had only known the girl for a few hours, he found himself worrying about her. He blamed his old age on such feelings.

"Her sister was killed by a Shapeshifter. Almost took her to, but luckily, we got there in time. She's been with us ever since." Sam said thinking how it's been over a year since Holly has been with them and how now he can't image her not being with them.

"She plan on moving back to a normal life?" Bobby asked curiously, if not a little hopeful.

"Even if we encouraged it, I don't think she ever would. You know how it is, Bobby." Sam said sadly remembering Holly mentioning not going back to a normal life.

"Yeah." Bobby sighed knowing exactly how it was immediately picturing his beautiful wife's face.

"How's she taking to everything?" He asked wondering if she was coping well.

"She's one hell of a researcher. Super smart." Dean said with respect and admiration, but his face soon hardened and a deep frown appeared on his face. "But she's reckless as hell." Dean declared shaking his head seeming both frustrated and disheartened.

"Reckless? What do you mean?" Bobby asked pressing his eyebrows together, a worried frown appearing on his face.

"She doesn't always listen to us." Sam explained sadly shaking his head. "It got her into a lot of trouble…more than once."

"More than once is enough. The girl could die. She's got to understand how we survive..." Bobby's voice quickly changed into one of urgency and fear.

"I know. I got it under control." Dean graveled shortly his face suddenly growing very stiff.

"Do you? Because this is serious. She is a full-fledged greenhorn and you took her in. That makes her your responsibility now." Bobby declared firmly looking at both Sam and Dean with a serious stern glower. "And if she doesn't understand the importance of caution, her life is not the only one she's putting at risk. So, you got to do whatever it takes to make her understand or she's not going to make it."

Bobby knew by the way Sam and Dean talked about Holly that they cared for her dearly and that meant they would risk their lives for her. It made Bobby fearful to hear she was reckless sending a wave of uneasiness in his gut.

"I know, Bobby, like I said I got it under control. She's not going to die, okay? I won't let her. Nobody is going to die. Not on my watch." Dean declared strongly his face set in a firm resolve.

"It's not like she's suicidal. She's just stubborn and Dean's overbearing attitude with her doesn't help." Sam said bitterly speaking from experience with his own father and sometimes his brother as well. Sam often sympathized with Holly because he understood how she felt. Sam was stubborn and often butted heads with his dad over many things and knew the more Dean tightened his grip the more Holly would fight against him. If Sam was being honest with himself, he was just scared of losing Holly and emotions were getting to him.

Dean turned to give his brother a fierce penetrating glare. "My overbearing attitude." Dean growled lowly biting off each word. "Is what keeps her breathing." He felt his teeth clench and his jaw twitch feeling his body fill with aggravation at his brother judgement.

Sam ignored Dean's glare and continued, regardless of the warning in his gut. "You act like Dad with her." Sam stated boldly and purposefully. Dean kept a firm glare on his brother his chest rising and falling with deep heated breaths.

"You bark orders at her and expect her to listen without question then when she pushes back you spank her." Sam said with disapproving frustration, but there was worry in his tone that was forthcoming.

"You spank her?" Bobby asked astonished looking at Dean with disbelief. His eyes wide and his eyebrows were pushed up on his forehead waiting for Dean to confirm what Sam had just said.

Dean's eyes met Bobby's, his brows were in a rigid frown and his face unyielding. "Yes." He declared with resolve offering no apology or explanation.

"God Dean. Really?" Bobby professed still with clear disbelief and confusion on his face.

Dean's face was unmoved by Bobby's shock. Dean had his forearms resting on his knees leaning forward slightly with his hands folded together. "I'm doing whatever it takes to keep her alive. This is what I know and it's the only thing that works. I've got no problem doing it." Dean stating firmly showing no regret or desire for approval in his eyes. Sam could have sworn he saw the shadow of his father in Dean's eyes as he declared his reasoning. Sam blinked slightly and swallowed remembering the power and presence his father held. Seeing it in Dean was both surprising and intimidating, but it was an attitude that commanded respect and part of Sam was almost awe struck.

"That's a bit extreme don't you think?" Bobby asked calmly still taking in Dean's explanation.

"Not when it comes to her life. Look, you, Sammy and that woman are all I have left in the world and I'm not about to go all soft just because it feels better. If Karen we here, wouldn't you do anything to keep her alive?" Dean voice was raising as his emotions heightened. His heart was aching with every word he spoke. He was doing the best he could and by God it was going to be enough to keep the woman breathing.

Bobby physically flinched and felt his breath stop at the mention of his wife's name. It was true, he would probably do just about anything to see her sweet face again. Dean swallowed slightly at seeing Bobby's face soften in both pain and understanding. Dean sighed letting all the built-up air in his lungs rush out of his nose.

"I got to keep her safe Bobby and if that means turning the grown woman over my knee. I'll do it." Dean's voice was steady and determined. He meant every word. It was quite an astounding declaration to make, but it was one of purpose and honor that all came from one simple powerful feeling, love.

Bobby was silent for a long moment looking down at his weather-beaten hands then to his mudded boots before looking up at Dean again. "Do…do you have feelings for her?" Bobby asked directly and calmly.

Dean remained silent for a long moment as Bobby studied his face squinting his eyes slightly like he was trying to read the emotions off Dean's face. Sam stared at Dean waiting for a response knowing exactly how he felt about the woman.

Unable to help himself Dean looked away from Bobby's studying gaze. "Nothing can come of it." He said quietly with regret and pain laced in his tone.

Bobby's heart felt a stab of pain at hearing Dean's dishearten tone. It was unlike Dean to feel so deeply toward someone and it was even more unlike him to show it. Bobby didn't know if Dean was just doing a poor job of hiding his feelings or if Holly was someone unusually special.

"Does she know?" Bobby asked gently tilting his head to the side trying to catch Dean's eye.

"Yes." Dean muttered honestly painfully wishing she did not. In a moment of weakness that was all his fault.

"Does she feel the same?" Bobby pushed wanting to know more in hopes of helping Dean find some peace in all this.

Dean swallowed hard suddenly feeling his throat become dry. His eyes drifted towards the ground biting the side of his lip feeling his heart ache slightly at the question wishing the pain he was feeling would just go away. When Dean remained silent for far too long Sam spoke up for him.

"She does."

Dean snapped his head towards Sam giving him a fierce glare, his jaw clenched annoyed that Sam felt the need to speak for him.

"You're afraid she'll get hurt. You're trying to protect her from you? Is that it?" Bobby asked knowing that is exactly what it was. Bobby was both saddened and annoyed at Dean. Two emotions that Dean often brought out in Bobby more often than not. Dean was self-sacrificing and often was noble in his actions, but for once Bobby would like for him to think like a normal human being instead of an exceptional Hunter.

"People get close to me; they get hurt, period. I'm trying to keep her safe, not play perfect life. And I don't need a lecture from you telling me how it'll be all okay if I just pour out my feelings like some love sick opera singer." Dean growled defensively his walls clearly building up. He wasn't into this whole share your feelings session and feared he was going to be hurt or angered by what Bobby was going to say.

"I'm not going to lecture you about being an opera singer, Dean. I'm just going to tell you I understand." Bobby said simply looking at him with both kindness and annoyance.

Dean looked up somewhat surprised by Bobby's words. "You what?" It was rare that anyone understood him and Dean was both surprised and exceedingly grateful to hear those simple words.

"I get it. This life ain't no fairytale and we aren't the Brady Bunch. We sacrifice a lot to protect people. We're lucky if we even get a chance to love. But my advice is to just hold onto what you got, but God, boy, don't forget to live."

With that Bobby headed into the kitchen to get himself another beer allowing Dean to soak in his words and perhaps think more about living and less about dying.

0000

The next morning Holly took it upon herself to wake up early and take the Impala to get some groceries for Bobby. She noticed last night that there was not enough food in the kitchen for all of them and opted to make it easier on Bobby and take the initiative.

After she got back, she started to make some breakfast for everyone and started the pot of coffee before the men got up.

"You're up early." Holly turned around to see Bobby watching her with surprise.

"Yeah, I got some good sleep last night." Holly said cheerfully. Holly wasn't sure if she got a good night sleep because her body was just exhausted or if it was the fun conversations, they had last night making her forget about hunting allowing her mind to relax. Whatever the reason, she was well rested and content. "Want some eggs and toast?" Holly asked as she continued to scrabble the eggs.

"You know you don't have to do this." Bobby said not wanting her to think she had to make breakfast for them. After all she was his guest, not the other way around. Although he wasn't the best cook and knew without a doubt, she was better than he was.

"Oh, I don't mind. I actually really like cooking, but with being in hotels all the time I really don't get much of an opportunity." Holly said regrettably. It was true, she really did love to cook, but with working on cases all the time it was hard even to step away for a moment and cook even when a stove was available.

"Well in that case, sure." Bobby said believing she really did enjoy it and he was not about to turn down breakfast if she insisted.

"Good. I made a pot of coffee too if you want some." She said pointing to the coffee maker with freshly brewed pot underneath.

Bobby smiled and shook his head as a wave of contentment came over him. It was the simple things. "Well, you better be careful I'm liable to get used to this. I haven't had someone make me breakfast in years."

Holly just smiled at him as he got his mug of coffee and sat at the kitchen table. She was honestly really happy to do it and glad that Bobby appreciated it. In fact, she was enjoying it tremendously, more than she ever thought she would. She missed the domestic setting and just the idea of living in a home again and cooking breakfast for those she cared about, it was actually a really good feeling. She would have never thought the need to feel domesticated would be so strong. It's certainly something that has been taken for granted. She guessed it was because she was focusing on Hunting so much that something as simple as cooking breakfast would bring a spark of joy for her.

Holly made up two plates of eggs and toast and hand one to Bobby. It was nothing fancy, but she used what they could afford and made the best of a simple breakfast. Holly grabbed her mug and sat next to him. Bobby smiled at her and couldn't help but feel a small warmth toward her. It had been a long time since a woman was in his home and her warmth and generosity made him glad that Sam and Dean had someone like her, but there was also a sadness Bobby felt knowing that she was involved in Hunting which was no pretty thing. He also knew Sam and Dean were constantly worrying about her. And after hearing about her last night, he was sure there was to be a lot of hardship ahead, especially involving her and Dean.

"Thank you for letting us stay here. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have a break." The statement was true, it was so nice to take a step back from Hunting, but Holly knew in her heart it wouldn't be long before she would be itching to research another case. It was her life now and part of her knew that the desire would never go away.

"You and my boys are welcome to stay here as long as you like, but if I know them, it won't be long before you're on a new case." Bobby stated knowing very well that time off for Hunters doesn't last very long.

"Yeah, there's always seems to be something that comes up, I guess." Holly said with a bit of a sigh understanding.

"Hope they are treating you well." Bobby said casually taking a hearty sip of his coffee.

"They are. Sam is like a brother to me and Dean…" Holly paused as her thoughts stopped her words. Holly blinked embarrassed casting her eyes down at her plate.

"It's complicated." She finally concluded as she put down her coffee mug.

"I see." Bobby said simply, not wanting to push it seeing her embarrassment.

Just then they heard loud footsteps creaking on the old wooden floors. Dean walked into the kitchen inhaling the scent of homemade breakfast.

"Yes, that's what I'm talking about." Dean said as he grabbed a plate and began to scoop large spoonsfuls of eggs onto his plate along with three pieces of toast. He poured himself some coffee and leaned against the counter as he began to shovel eggs into his mouth. At that moment Holly was glad she went to the store; Dean could probably eat the whole breakfast she made by himself. She shook her head and rolled her eyes as it was typical of Dean.

"We'll go to the store today and get you some more food, Bobby." Dean announced with a mouth full of eggs.

"I already went out this morning and bought some food." Holly said taking a bite of toast. As soon as the words left her lips the room fell awkwardly silent.

Holly felt Dean's eyes glaring into the back of her head. "You went alone?" His voice rumbled deeply clearly making it known that she shouldn't have. Holly nearly grinded her teeth on the piece of toast in her mouth. Holly turned around resting her arm on the back of her seat. His frown was deep and his green eyes narrowed in on her in aggravation. He can't be serious?

"Yeah, the general store is just ten minutes up the road." Holly said casually like it was no big deal because obviously it wasn't.

"Don't take off without telling us." Dean said sternly giving Holly a firm look.

Holly wanted to tell Dean she didn't need a baby sitter, but decided she didn't want an argument, especially in front of Bobby, so she just gave him a seething look as she got up to get more coffee.

Bobby raised an eye brow at Dean feeling the tension between them. Dean just ignored him and continued to eat his breakfast as he watched Holly with warning in his eyes. Bobby shook his head slightly as he took another sip of coffee.

Well, they don't like each other, but they sure as hell are in love.

"I'm serious, Holly." Dean said firmly as Holly passed him in silence to get to the fridge. Holly gave him another seething look that put the first one she gave him to shame.

And they better have sex soon before they kill each other.

TBC

I know, I know. Very abrupt ending to this chapter, but part two will just be a click away.

Please review, comment and let me know what you would like to see from Holly and Dean.

Part 2 will be posted very soon! Stay tuned. Thank you for reading!